Tuesday, December 13, 2011

This or That: Which cover more closely embodies your style?

The December issues of ELLE DÉCOR and House Beautiful were among the best of 2011. The homes gracing the covers of these two issues have generated quite a bit of buzz around the blogosphere, and rightfully so as they are both stunning, though they are completely different in style.

Above, you’ll see the dining room in the Manhattan apartment of Ashley Stark, Creative Director of her family’s company, Stark Carpet. Ashley’s dining room is high on the glamour quotient, as is the rest of her feminine, “polished-eclectic” (the best term I can think to use for it) home. It is filled with bold colors and patterns, unique statement pieces, and a mix of styles—both traditional and modern.

The cover of House Beautiful features the home of Mark D. Sikes and Michael Griffin. Located in West Hollywood, this gorgeous home is rooted in the traditional with a fabulous mix of modern and glamorous pieces mixed in. The thing I love most about this home is how inviting it is. Each room is completely chic without feeling too “decorated”. The rooms are mostly dressed in neutral colors with a few classic patterns mixed in for interest: a zebra rug, leopard pillows, blue and white pottery. The furnishings and accessories in the home are all important designs, custom-made items, and special antiques, but the home maintains that perfect “California Cool” aesthetic with a bit of a casual vibe. I suppose what I love most about this home is that it stunningly beautiful, but feels completely relaxed and livable. It is current without being trendy.

So, if you had to choose one of these home based on the covers of these two magazines, which one would you choose? Which one more closely embodies your personal style?

House Beautiful, hands down! The other style is beautiful and interesting to look at, but I wouldn't want to live there. I do like many of the rooms components. But it needs to be cozied up a bit for my taste!

I probably would have picked the House Beautiful room before due to the more traditional style and colour etc. I now find that boring and with a new attitude towards design/ decor DECOR has it down...let's live a little and upgrade to sparkle. I pick DECOR room

Based on the covers, I'll pick House Beautiful. Tho I'm into more dark hues, this style is more relaxed. I do a lot on my sofa so I prefer the casual vibe and the layering of rugs by a fireplace makes it comfy. Plus the architecture and arched window adds cool points.

I gotta go with the Elle Decor. While I love the House Beautiful cover and it more resembles my home at the moment....I am in love with everything about Ashley Stark's apartment from that Elle Decor issue!!!

Her's has so many interesting, one-of-a-kind pieces, and I love the use of color!!! It's edgy, fun and refreshing-- just my style!

There's so much to love in both! I think it's that the Elle Decor cover is aspirational (I mean, how glam??) whereas the House Beautiful cover is inspirational (I saw it and thought 'I could do that in my house!'). I haven't finished reading HB yet and can't wait to flip through it this week!